Can my landlord enter my unit without permission to show it?

No. Your landlord must provide you with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit for showings, except in emergencies.

What should I do if my landlord enters without notice?

Document the incident, communicate your concerns in writing, and if the issue persists, submit a complaint to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Do I have to be home when my landlord shows the unit?

No, you are not required to be present, but you can choose to be if you wish.

How do I file a complaint if my privacy rights are violated?

Complete the RTDRS Application Form available on the Alberta government website and submit it with supporting evidence.

Is there a limit to how often my landlord can show my rental?

There is no fixed number, but showings must be reasonable and not interfere with your quiet enjoyment of the property.

Landlord Showings: Tenant Rights & Entry Rules in Alberta

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Alberta published June 14, 2025

If you're a tenant in Alberta and your landlord wants to show your unit to prospective tenants or buyers, it's important to understand your privacy rights and the correct legal procedures landlords must follow. This guide explains your rights, the responsibilities of your landlord, and what actions you can take if your privacy is not respected, based on Alberta’s current rental laws.

When Can a Landlord Show a Rental Unit in Alberta?

In Alberta, landlords can enter your rental unit to show it to potential tenants or buyers, but only by following specific legal guidelines set by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). The main law governing this process is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).¹

Written notice is required: Your landlord must provide you with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit to show it.
Entry times: Showings must take place between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, unless you agree otherwise.
Purpose of entry: Entry must be for a legitimate reason, such as showing the rental to prospective new tenants or purchasers.

This legal notice ensures you have time to prepare, secure valuables, and plan for your privacy and safety.

Your Right to Privacy and Quiet Enjoyment

Alberta tenants have the right to “quiet enjoyment,” which means living in your home without unnecessary disturbance. Entry for viewings must be reasonable, not excessive, and must not interfere with your normal use of the property.

If your landlord is entering too frequently or at inappropriate times, this could be a violation of your rights. You have options to address this, including reaching out to the RTDRS or using the official complaint process.

Notice Requirements for Showings

Your landlord’s notice to enter must:

Be in writing (text message or email can qualify)
Be delivered at least 24 hours before the time of entry
State the date, time, and reason for entry (showing to prospective tenants, buyers, etc.)

You are not required to be home during the showing, but you have the right to be present if you wish.

Can a Landlord Show the Unit Without Notice?

Except in emergencies, landlords cannot enter your unit for showings without proper written notice. Emergencies include situations like fire, flood, or urgent repairs.

If your landlord enters without notice or permission (except in an emergency), consider documenting the incident. Keep copies of any communication relating to the issue.

Problems With Frequent or Disruptive Showings?

If showings become excessive, you may wish to review the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for further strategies. Tenants can also refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a broader overview of landlord and tenant duties under Alberta law.

Official Forms & Steps to Address a Privacy Violation

If your landlord is not respecting the entry rules for showings, you can:

First, communicate your concerns in writing.
If issues continue, file an application with the RTDRS (RTDRS Application Form).

Form Example: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) Application Form

When to use: If your landlord repeatedly enters without proper notice or violates entry requirements.
How it's used: Fill out the RTDRS Application Form online or download it. Submit details of the issue along with supporting evidence (e.g., lack of notice, text/email documentation).
Official Source: Submit application to RTDRS

Tips for Tenants During Showings

Remove or secure valuables before scheduled showings.
Request (in writing) that your landlord accompany all visitors or realtors.
Record all communications about showings, including notices and your responses.
Don’t sign away your rights—ensure all changes are in writing and don’t allow verbal agreements to reduce notice time.

For more guidance, you can always Browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare tenant experiences.

Related Tenant Rights in Alberta

For a detailed summary of tenant and landlord rights in your province, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Can my landlord enter my unit without permission to show it?
Generally, no. Your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering for showings, except in emergencies.
How many times can my landlord show my place each week?
There is no specific limit in the law, but showings must be reasonable and not interfere with your right to quiet enjoyment. Frequent, disruptive showings could be challenged.
What should I do if my landlord shows the unit without notice or when I’ve said it’s not a good time?
Document the incident, express your concerns in writing to your landlord, and if the issue continues, you may file a complaint with the RTDRS.
Do I have to let my landlord in for showings if I feel unsafe?
You must not unreasonably refuse a lawful, noticed showing, but you can ask that your landlord attend and address specific safety concerns. If there are valid safety risks, raise them promptly.
What happens if I refuse entry for a scheduled showing?
If you refuse lawful entry after proper notice, this could be a breach of your lease and give your landlord grounds for dispute. Always explain your reasons and seek a compromise if possible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Landlords in Alberta must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before showing your home to prospective tenants or buyers.
You have the right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment of your unit at all times.
If your rights are not respected, document the situation and take action through the RTDRS if necessary.

Knowing your legal protections ensures a respectful rental experience for both tenants and landlords.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Official Guide
Alberta Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: oipc.ab.ca
Alberta Tenants’ Association: albertatenants.com

Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta): Official government guide
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): RTDRS official site